I work in Frontline Support as a Support Worker at The Mai-Wel Group in Newcastle. Mai-Wel has a Day Centre and offers Community Access programs in Skills Development and Social Participation. In my role, I support individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities to access the community and realise their potential. Never had thought that my volunteering would lead to employment!

Eight years ago I completed a trade as a plant mechanic. I was not satisfied to continue to pursue this trade as my vocation. I worked casually and intermittently for 12 months before having a discussion with a friend about his current volunteer work. I thought it sounded interesting and decided volunteering one day a week was just the thing for me.

After three months of volunteering I was offered a casual position which quickly grew into a permanent role. I have been with the same employer for seven years now and have never regretted my change in vocation. From the moment I began my volunteering work I knew I had an opportunity to have a profession which was fun, interesting and, most of all, personally satisfying.